The first episode of the revamped nineties hit show enjoyed an average of 266,000 viewers across the hour long time slot and proved to be the most popular show among under 45’s in Ireland on a Sunday night.

The show which is presented by IFTA Rising Star Winner Al Porter boasted an audience share that was also larger than RTE1 and RTE2 combined.

The show which premiered on Irish television at 9pm on Sunday, October 8th reached over 550,000 viewers across the hour long programme, peaking at 307,000.

Speaking previously with IFTN about the project, Al Porter said:

"I'm beyond delighted this is happening and leaped at the chance to do it! Since I was a kid on stage in the Olympia all I've ever wanted to do was cheer people up and entertain as many people as possible. I remember watching shows like Blind Date with Cilla as my Mam ironed and my Nana laughed and it doing just that - cheering us all up!”

Tara Flynn is also set to feature as Al Porter’s sidekick, recapping on the singletons and what they said as the narrator of the show.

Tara Flynn:“I am so delighted about being the famous sidekick in Blind Date and have very fond memories of my Saturday nights in front of the TV watching the legendary Cilla having a lorra lorra laughs! Myself and Al Porter are going to have so much fun on such an iconic show."

Speaking at the launch back in May - Bill Malone, TV3 Group Director of Programming said:

“What a talent Al is and what a show Blind Date is, and the combination of both promises to be brilliantly entertaining TV. TV3 has transformed itself into a quality Irish broadcaster of scale and the addition of a star like Al further underlines our ambition."

The iconic show has been revived by Sony backed, Northern Irish indie, Stellify Media.

Kieran Doherty, Stellify’s joint Managing Director said:

“Blind Date is exactly the type of entertainment programming we want to produce – a compelling mix of humour, love and jeopardy, making it unmissable viewing for the whole family."

Stellify Media also Co-Produce the UK version of the show with SO Television for Channel 5, starring Paul O’Grady.